Massachusetts prohibits the sale, offering for sale, transfer or possession of a large capacity feeding devices.1 Under Massachusetts law, a “large capacity feeding device” is defined as: “(i) a fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip or similar device that has a capacity of, or that can be readily converted to accept, more than ten rounds of ammunition or more than five shotgun shells; or (ii) any part or combination of parts from which a device can be assembled if those parts are in the possession or control of the same person.”2 This does not include “(a) any device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than [ten] rounds of ammunition or more than [five] shotgun shells; (b) an attached tubular device designed to accept and capable of operating only with .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or (c) a tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm or on a pump shotgun.”3
The prohibition does not apply to possession of large capacity feeding devices lawfully possessed on September 13, 1994, if such possession is:
- On private property owned or legally controlled by the person in possession of the large capacity feeding device;
- On private property not open to the public with the express permission of the property owner or authorized agent;
- While on the premises of a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for the purpose of lawful repair;
- At a licensed firing range or sports shooting competition venue; or
- While traveling to and from these locations; provided that the large capacity feeding device is stored unloaded and secured in a locked container.4
An person authorized to possess a large capacity feeding device may only transfer the device to an heir or devisee, a person residing outside Massachusetts, or a licensed dealer.5
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